Resources for addressing chronic absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days in a school year, is a national problem that has prompted a joint letter from national leaders including the U.S. Department of Education.

The letter highlights clearly defined attendance data collection goals aimed at dramatically improving the academic and life outcomes of our young students. All schools are being encouraged to employ these strategies and utilize a toolkit for addressing and eliminating chronic absenteeism as detailed in this letter. Also visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/chronicabsenteeism/index.html to learn more about the national movement to curb absenteeism in our schools.

Another way to help address chronic absenteeism is to attend the Oct. 29, Count ME In Fall Summit Attendance Matters: Supporting Student Success. The summit will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. Register online at www.countmeinmaine.org. For more information, contact Susan Lieberman at slieberman@countmeinmaine.org, or call 747-9059.